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Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas made their debuts against Real Madrid

FC Barcelona’s two summer signings will never forget their first games: both made their first team debut against the eternal rivals in the Spanish Super Cup

Alexis fighting for the ball with Sergio Ramos / PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB

The Spanish Super Cup was the showcase for Barça's two new summer signings. Alexis and Cesc will never forget their debuts in a Barcelona shirt, because few could imagine that they would do it against the Club's great rival.

Alexis: In the starting line-up in Madrid and played the whole 90 minutes

Having just returned from the Copa America, Alexis played his first game for Barça. It was at the Santiago Bernabéu, and he was in the starting eleven. He was the big surprise in Barca's line-up, and his performance was more than satisfactory. Alexis played the whole game and although he couldn't show all his attacking qualities, his tireless work wore down the Madrid defence. It was a memorable debut.

Cesc: ten crucial minutes in the return leg

If Alexis was an important piece in the 2-2 draw that Barça achieved in the first leg, Cesc was decisive in the 3-2 win which led to the first title of the season. Cesc's signing was announced on the day of the match in the Bernabéu, and with only two training sessions behind him, he made his debut for Barça in the 81st minute of the second leg at the Camp Nou, with the game tied at 2-2 and extra-time looming.

Cesc's presence between midfield and attack unhinged the Madrid defence, and in the 89th minute a move started by Fabregas ended in the Messi goal that won the Super Cup for Barça.

In the midst of Madrid's despair, Cesc was the involuntary protagonist in the event that cost Marcelo a straight red card.

Duels with Arsenal

That was not Cesc’s first game against Real Madrid. He played against them with Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2005/06, and with optimum results. The Gunners qualified for the quarterfinals after winning 1-0 at the Bernabeu and drawing 0-0 in London. Cesc started in both games, and was a key player in that team, which ended up losing in the Final against Barcelona in Paris.